Despite not scoring in its previous two playoff matches, the Rider boys soccer team had generated enough chances that led them to believe goals were right around the corner.

But thanks to a stout El Paso Del Valle defense, with an assist to a howling wind that at times gusted at least 40 miles per hour, the Raiders couldn’t register a shot on goal Friday night.

And for the first time in nearly five hours of game time, an opponent solved Rider goalie Zack Majewski. Daniel Jesus Marquez scored for the Conquistadores in the 35th minute, a goal that stood up for a 1-0 victory in the Region I-5A semifinals.

Del Valle (24-6-1) advances to the regional finals for the second straight season and will face Aledo, which survived in penalty kicks for a 3-2 win over El Paso Bowie. That trip to state will be decided at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Raiders finish Dustin Holly’s first season at 13-5-8, and while they certainly wished they lived to see another day, they couldn’t lament on missed chances simply because Del Valle didn’t yield much.

“Nothing has been easy all year and this wasn’t easy as well,” Holly said. “(Del Valle) did a good job in the back today and their midfield played very well. We just didn’t have it, but the kids fought hard all the way until the end.”

The game’s lone goal came with 5:04 remaining in the half as the Conquistadores started their attack down the left-hand side of the field. Alan Ceneceiros caught Marquez making a far-post run and threaded a pinpoint pass the junior forward converted.

“They caught us in transition on that back side and had a couple good passes,” Holly said “We even pulled a couple guys back to try and slow it, but you give someone like that a good chance, and they’ll make a good finish.”

Rider’s best opportunity at that juncture was Rylan Havins’ first-half free kick from 25 yards out that sailed over the crossbar. While the wind was swirling across Memorial Stadium, it turned against the Raiders in the second half.

Rider’s best chance of the first half. Rylan Havins with a free kick over the bar. 0-0 with Del Valle with 16 minutes left in first half. pic.twitter.com/ATTIkRVItX

Del Valle never could double up its lead as Majewski made a couple sprawling saves and free kicks from close range went off the post and crossbar. Rider threatened twice on set pieces into the driving wind, but never put a shot on target the entire 80 minutes.

The Conquistadores, who lost 1-0 to Wichita Falls High School last year in the regional final, will be looking to get back to state on Saturday. After scoring his 14th goal Marquez said, ‘We’re proud and we played a good team. We’re ready for the next one and give it our all tomorrow.”

As for Rider, the loss can’t take away what was a special season that ended with three dramatic playoff victories.

“I wish we would have created a little bit more, but that’s how soccer goes. And with this wind, it is what it is,” Holly said. “We’ll be back. The work we put in and we have such a young crew. They’ll want to get back here.”

Congrats to @ROHO_Soccer on a great season. You represented WF well and we’re all proud of you.

Not a bad first year for Coach @TheDH83 , Regional Tournament and knocked off 3 really good teams to get here. Keep it up my friend!